Why Cartagena? | Cartagena Convention Bureau

Cartagena City Millenary

Cartagena Convention Bureau

Cartagena is one of the most seductive tourist destinations in the Mediterranean. Located in the south east of Spain, it has a fascinating history and exceptional natural heritage. The Roman and military history of Cartagena has given the city its character and it provides visitors with many interesting historical corners to discover. It is situated on the coast and has lovely long sandy beaches as well as marine reserves. Visitors to Cartagena have endless possibilities of things to do and see!

History

With more than 2,000 years of history, Cartagena is a modern city with a rich Roman and military heritage. This legacy has been revitalised thanks to the work carried out by the tourist consortium Cartagena Puerto de Culturas.

Weather

Cartagena is the perfect place for a visit any time of year, given that it enjoys 300 days of sun each year and has a medium annual temperature of around 20 degrees.

Easy mobility

The most interesting and iconic sites in Cartagena are situated in the historic centre, which means that you can walk from place to place around this zone without the need to drive or take a bus or taxi.

Gastronomy

Cartagena’s gastronomy represents a great example of the Mediterranean diet with its emphasis on sea food and vegetables. There are typical specialities of the region.

Beaches and nature

With its location on the Mediterranean coast and surrounded by mountains, tourists can enjoy beaches, take part in water sports, or simply relax in the nature.

What to do in Cartagena?

Cartagena Convention Bureau

Cultural visits

Cultural visits to the main tourist interest points, such as Muralla Púnica, Fuerte de Navidad o Castillo de la Concepción.

Concepción Castle

Teatro Romano

City Hall

Gastronomy

With our "Ruta de la Tapa" you will taste typical tapas such fresh octopus, prepared "a la cartagenera", "michirones" or a good "caldero", a flavoursome soupy rice dish, prepareded with small fish. All washed down wines from the Cartagena countryside. To complete this meal, the famous café "Asiático" served in a special glass.

Marinera

Asian Café

Caldero

Purchases

Cartagena enables visitors to enjoy tourism, business and shopping at the same time. Walking through the old quarter, visitors can discover the wide variety of shops which make up the "Centro Comecial Abierto", the urban shopping centre.

Puertas de Murcia

Souvenirs

Asiático Kit

Souvenirs

Sports and Adventure

Active tourism is another of the interesting propositions offered by Cartagena; enjoying the natural offerings of both the sea and the land throughout the year, thanks to the temperate climate. There are options to suit all tastes: walking, sailing, diving, golf, etc.

Golf

Speed circuit

Diving

Feasts and Festivals

The temperate climate in Cartagena makes it ideal for enjoying open air fiestas and festivals which are celebrated throughout the year. The most important fiestas are Carnival, Semana Santa and the Carthaginians and Romans. The main festivals are La Mar de Músicas (concerts dedicated to world music), the Night of the Museums, the Jazz Festival and the International Cinema Festival.

La Mar de Músicas

Easter

Carthaginians and Romans

Access to the city

Cartagena Convention Bureau

Air links

The nearest airport is Murcia-San Javier, which is just 15 minutes from Cartagena. The international El Atlet Airport is an hour from Cartagena.

Road Network

The Motorway and the Mediterranean Toll road Motorway (the A-7 and the AP-7) connect the City with all of the Mediterranean arc, as well as with Andalucía and Barcelona. Cartagena is linked with the interior of the peninsular via the A-30 (The Murcian Motorway) and the A-3 (The Eastern Motorway).

Train and bus links

The city is connected by rail with Velencia, Madrid and Barcelona. There are daily train services to these cities. Cartagena is also linked with the Sierra Minera and the Mar Menor via a local narrow gauge service (FEVE). Theres´s also a nus service that connects Cartagena with the main Spanish cities.